President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Monday that he was considering extending the term of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Rommel Marbil in light of the upcoming May elections.
“It would not be good for stability, especially to change the chief PNP in the middle of a campaign period and approaching an election period,” Marcos explained.
Several PNP chiefs in the past have also had their terms extended by the sitting president.
Benjamin Acorda Jr. was appointed PNP Chief on April 24, 2023. His term was originally set to end on December 3, 2023, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
However, President Marcos extended Acorda’s term until March 31, 2024, citing his successful leadership of the police force since his appointment.
Appointed by then-President Rodrigo Duterte, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa became PNP chief on May 19, 2016. His term was supposed to end on January 21, 2018.
Duterte extended dela Rosa’s term to April 21, 2018, citing the need to address issues of “scoundrels and scalawags” within the organization.
Dela Rosa is now serving as a senator.
Leandro Mendoza assumed leadership of the PNP on January 22, 2001. He was set to retire upon reaching the mandatory retirement age on March 17, 2002.
Then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo extended Mendoza’s term by nine months.
Edgar Aglipay was appointed PNP chief on August 23, 2004, with an original retirement date of September 13, 2004.
Arroyo extended Aglipay’s term for an additional six months.
Under Executive Order No. 136, series of 1999, a president has the authority to approve the extension of services for presidential appointees beyond the compulsory retirement age. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
